Abstract: A method of depositing a thin membrane so that it conforms to an irregular shaped surface of a scintillator includes the steps of aligning the membrane in a desired position with respect to the irregular surface so that the membrane is in contact with at least some protruding portions of the scintillator, and drawing the membrane down over the irregular surface so that the membrane is conformingly disposed around substantially all protrusions without deforming or bending the needle-like protrusions. The membrane is drawn down by applying a substantially uniform differential pressure across the thin membrane so as to urge the membrane into conformal contact with irregular surface. An imager array fabricated with this process includes a scintillator having an irregular surface and a monolithic reflective layer disposed thereover in conformal contact with the irregular surface.

Abstract: A radiation imager includes a photosensor array that is coupled to a scintillator so as to detect optical photons generated when incident radiation is absorbed in the scintillator. The imager further includes a robust protective cover that is disposed over the scintillator to seal the scintillator from exposure to ambient moisture. The protective cover has a three panel laminate structure including a pair of first-type material panels with a second-type material panel disposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the protective cover includes a lower hermetic barrier layer, an intermediate structural layer, and upper hermetic barrier layer. The upper and lower hermetic barrier layers are of the same material; the intermediate structural layer comprises a composite material having an adhesive impregnated therein.